Zakaria’s quest for self-dependence still elusive
Thirty-two-year-old Zakaria Hossain, a resident of Dakkhin Sonakhuli village in Nilphamari's Dimla upazila, was not born blind.
He lost his eyesight in 2007, in the final days of preparation for his HSC exams, after he was hit in the eyes by a stray cricket ball. But his indomitable desire for education brought him distinction in his BSS examination and he also went on to achieve a master degree learning to read in the Braille method.
"People look at the blind with pity but I want to change this outlook and I chose the path of education to be self-dependent," Zakaria said.
Through perseverance and generous people's support, he attained first-class, a rare distinction in BSS and MA degrees from the National University in 2015 and 2017 respectively appearing in the Braille method.
The Daily Star published a report on him in 2015 reflecting his eagerness to pursue masters after his remarkable feat in graduation. Following the publication of the report, the then Nilphamari deputy commissioner (DC) arranged him a part-time teaching job at a new project of the social welfare department titled 'Co-ordinated Education Programme for Visually Impaired' and assured him of making the job permanent if the project came under revenue.
Business farms Nilsagor Group and Kedarpur Tea Company Ltd and Bangla daily Prothom Alo also extended financial support to him.
Zakaria has served the post for five years hoping to be permanent as the project came under revenue in 2017.
However, the Social Welfare Department recruited manpower in the vacant posts namely 'Parents cum teacher' all over the country including Nilphamari where Zakaria's name was not included and his five-year service as a part-time teacher was not counted either.
This incident shattered Zakaria's hopes to become self-dependent and he is going to cross the maximum age limit for entering a government job next December.
"Where shall I go now?" Zakaria said with tears rolling down his cheek.
Prof Zillur Rahman of Rangpur Carmichael College, who taught Zakaria during his master degree programme, said "Visually impaired Zakaria has proved that perseverance and little support from the society can turn a so-called burden of the society into an asset."
Zakaria said, "I don't have lights not only in my eyes but also in my life. Yet a ray of hope keeps me going if honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina salvages me by employing me at a job especially on the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth centenary."
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